I just love this photo!
It speaks volumes about the difference between human consciousness and animal instinct.
First off, let me say that, if you’ve never seen a real bullfight, you might not know it’s not just a “noble” battle between a Matador and a bull.
The bulls are, first, subjected to horse-ridding Picadors, who weaken them by jabbing lances into their necks. Then, a Banderillero places the colorful darts into the bull’s back to further weaken it before the Matador takes over. (I walked out once I realized the fix was in.)
Here, it seems the Matador, too, has had the realization that what started out as a ritual sacrifice to the gods before it became a “game“ does not make sense in the 21st Century.
The bull, however, may either be commiserating, wondering why the Matador is not doing his job or, perhaps, figuring his opponent has become a vegetarian.
However, I see this tableau as a plea for and a granting of forgiveness. And that makes it apt for year’s end.
Often, the hardest things to do is to forgive someone, who has hurt or betrayed us. Sometimes, it’s even worse if they have done so to someone we care about.
Yet, to carry around hate becomes a heavy burden that only compounds the hurt because you, not the hurter/betrayer, continue to suffer.
Reacting with forgiveness is a commitment to rebuilding, to moving forward. It is a self-admission of not being defeated, of a willingness to renew. It is a realization that the first one needing to be forgiven is oneself.
If a mistake has been made, how were you complicit? Admit to that. Then, work to reverse the situation. And, if you honestly think some “revenge” is called for, make it a positive revenge.
If the issue was a breakup, find a true love. If it was a betrayal involving political lies or corruption, work for the election of a just politician. If a law was broken, fight for the implementation of justice.
Remember the words from the crucifixion site at Golgotha, “…forgive them, for they know not what they do.”
May you become someone who knows him/herself and knows what and why you “do.”
Your existence is meant to represent Earth’s beauty. Allow yourself to shine!